Project Background
Starting on April 1, NYSDOT is undertaking a $60.8 million project to replace the bridges carrying Interstate 490 over the Erie Canal and Kreag Road in Perinton, Monroe County. The interstate carries two lanes of traffic in each direction, but during the 2025 construction season, the road will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
Due to the expected traffic volume and closely spaced exits, a “zipper” or late merge will be utilized instead of the traditional early merge that drivers are most familiar with in New York State.
The westbound bridges, heading into Rochester, will be replaced during the 2026 construction season.
What Should I Do?
Avoid the Construction Area
The best course of action is to avoid I-490 near Bushnell’s Basin and find alternate routes when possible.
Keep in mind, other travelers will also use alternate routes. No matter what roads you choose, plan for extra travel time.
When possible, consider traveling at off-peak hours.
Use the Zipper Merge Method
If you need to travel I-490, use the zipper merge method to enhance safety and minimize delay.
What is a Zipper Merge?
Zipper merges are designed to keep traffic moving more smoothly by allowing drivers to use both lanes until reaching the merge point.
New York motorists are familiar with early merging. This is when one lane of a highway is closed and motorists move into to the open lane as soon as they see lane closed signs.
In contrast, a zipper merge is when a lane is closed ahead and motorists continue to use both lanes of traffic until the merge point. Then, as two lanes turn into one lane, motorists take turns entering the work zone, alternating in a zipper fashion into the open lane.
Signage will be present indicating motorists should take turns at the merge.
Benefits of the Zipper Merge
Using a zipper merge approach in the I-490 construction zone will:
- Reduce differences in speeds between the two lanes and keep traffic moving smoothly
- Reduce congestion and the overall length of the traffic backup on I-490
- Reduce traffic backups and congestion on interstate entrance ramps and on surrounding local streets
Avoid Road Rage
In the I-490 bridge replacement project construction zone, those who wait to merge until just before the lane ends are doing it correctly!
Consider it this way when approaching the work zone: one lane does not merge into another lane – two lanes merge into one!
Note About Early Merging
In other work zones, NYSDOT continues to encourage motorists to merge early, as soon as they see lane closure signs. The zipper merge is being used exclusively in the I-490 construction zone due to the expected length of backups and close spacing of exits.
In All Cases – Plan for extra travel time and pack your patience!